The future could be more than just sustainable: it could be bold, transformative and made by us. When local people and creatives come together, new visions and plans can be made, supporting Bradford’s communities to build agency, thrive together and adapt to a changing climate.
As the City of Culture year flows into its next chapter, we’re building on the momentum of powerful, previous projects in this space – from Bradford Ark and the Storm Cycle events to Jungle Book Reimagined by Akram Khan Company. Now we’re gathering ideas, energy and care to deepen action in the heart of Bradford’s communities.
From January 2026, two free programmes led by Julie’s Bicycle (JB), will focus on Bradford’s unique culture and environment, offering space to connect, learn, workshop and create responses to the challenges (and possibilities) of our shared future.
We’re reaching out to people across the creative, community, and third sectors – anyone using creativity to connect, engage and imagine change.
Programme 1: Adaptive Futures: Bradford
“A creative workshop series for everyone who believes culture can shape a better tomorrow”
We’re inviting 30 participants – a mix of local community leaders, freelance creatives, cultural organisations and third-sector partners – to imagine what a thriving, connected Bradford could look like as we navigate environmental and social change. This in-person and online workshop series is an interactive ideas-lab, exploring how culture and collaboration can build strategic pathways towards more resilient communities. If you’re using creativity to strengthen your community or plan for the future, this space is for you. And, if you know someone who should be part of it – bring them along!
By joining Adaptive Futures: Bradford, you will:
- Explore what adapting to environmental change really means for Bradford and the opportunities it can open up
- Develop strategies that help your organisation respond to local climate challenges, working with frameworks and live case studies
- Co-design how culture and creativity help us build the infrastructure we need now, and for our changing future
- Learn new skills and insights from peers, climate knowledge holders, creative innovators and local experts (by skill or experience)
- Receive follow-up guidance from JB as you test and refine your creative adaptation responses
- Open doors to new partnerships, potential investment opportunities and cross-sector innovation
What’s the commitment for Programme 1?
We know time and capacity are tight, so we’re keeping things simple. The commitment is light but meaningful: likely two in-person workshops and two to three online sessions between January and April 2026. After this, you’ll have the chance to test ideas within your own projects or communities, share learning with others, and take part in a short reflection session with JB.
Programme 2: Creative Climate Accelerator
“Training, guidance and peer support for creative changemakers ready to lead on climate action in Bradford”
Creative Climate Accelerator builds the city’s creative climate leadership by supporting local practitioners and organisations to turn knowledge into action. This five-part programme (Jan – April 2026) blends in person and online sessions, exploring how creativity can drive adaptation, justice and resilience, while developing practical action plans for real projects in Bradford’s communities.
Participants are nominated by a Bradford based cultural or community organisation who commit to working with them on a shared climate action idea. The nominee might be a staff member, freelancer, associate or anyone using creativity to make change happen. The nominating organisation’s support could include time, resources, mentoring or funding for participation. A key contact person is asked to join the in-person sessions.
We’re especially keen to work with people whose voices and experiences are often underrepresented in the cultural sector, including people of colour, disabled and d/Deaf people, LGBTQIA creatives and those from low-income backgrounds. You don’t need to be an expert in anything, just curiosity, commitment and a desire to learn are what matter most!
Through the Creative Climate Accelerator, you’ll gain:
- Guidance and resources from JB’s team and guest mentors to grow confidence in your climate action work
- Dedicated support for your project from both JB and your nominating organisation
- A supported network of creative peers across Bradford working at the intersection of culture, community and climate
- Space to test ideas, share learning and contribute to the wider Adaptive Futures movement shaping Bradford’s resilience story
CURIOUS? We hope so!
Sign up below and come along to our taster session at Bradford Arts Centre, Nov 11th 1:00pm – 4:30pm
This will be an interactive session to explore how we’ll work, shape what happens next, and leave inspired to imagine your own creative response
Find out more